top of page
Search

Workplace Injury: Active Rehabilitation vs. Passive Treatment

Workplace injuries are a common occurrence, and the path to recovery can significantly impact an employee's return to work and overall well-being. Two primary approaches to injury care are active rehabilitation and passive treatment. Understanding the differences between these methods and their success rates can help in choosing the most effective treatment plan.


Work rehab active strength program

Active Rehabilitation

Active rehabilitation involves the injured employee actively participating in their recovery process. This approach includes exercises, stretching, strengthening activities, and work conditioning. The goal is to improve the patient's strength, flexibility, and overall function, which helps in preventing future injuries and promoting a quicker return to work[1].


Benefits of Active Rehabilitation:

  • Enhanced Recovery: Active rehabilitation has been shown to result in better clinical outcomes, including reduced pain and disability[2].

  • Cost-Effective: Patients undergoing active treatment often require fewer sessions and incur lower overall treatment costs[2].

  • Long-Term Success: Active rehabilitation helps in maintaining physical and emotional well-being, reducing the likelihood of re-injury[1].


Passive Treatment

Passive treatment, on the other hand, involves therapies performed on the patient

TENS application to knee Navisess

rather than by the patient. This includes methods such as massage, heat application, acupuncture, and the use of machines like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and ultrasound[1]. While passive treatment can provide immediate pain relief, it does not actively engage the patient in their recovery process.

Drawbacks of Passive Treatment:

  • Temporary Relief: Passive treatments often provide short-term pain relief without addressing the underlying issues[1].

  • Dependency: Patients may become reliant on passive treatments, which can delay their return to normal activities and work[2].

  • Lower Success Rates: Studies have shown that passive treatment is less effective in achieving long-term recovery compared to active rehabilitation[2].


Which is More Successful?

Research indicates that active rehabilitation is generally more successful than passive treatment for workplace injuries. For instance, patients with acute lower back pain who participated in active rehabilitation experienced a 64.7% success rate, compared to 36.5% for those who received passive treatment[2]. Active rehabilitation not only promotes faster recovery but also helps in preventing future injuries by improving overall physical health.



Choosing the right treatment approach for workplace injuries is crucial for effective recovery and return to work. Active rehabilitation, with its focus on patient involvement and long-term benefits, is often more successful than passive treatment. Employers and healthcare providers should consider these factors when developing injury care plans to ensure the best outcomes for their employees.

See how Navisess can help you find the best fit for rehabilitating at your location. email hello@navisess.ca for more information.



References

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page